The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

In The Buddha in the Attic, the reader becomes absorbed in the lives of Japanese "picture wives" and their experiences traveling to America. From the journey overseas to meeting new husbands to falling in love and breaking hearts to child rearing and raising, the behind-the-scenes look at these women is alternatively fascinating and heart-wrenching. What allows this book to stand out beyond the scope of the content is the incredibly poetic storytelling. Beautifully styled and carefully worded, there is more than just story found on these pages; there is collective pain, hope, struggle, and heart.

Reviewed by kate the librarian.